Rally mixes many issues

Groups unite to protest president's appearance at fundraiser today.

Groups unite to protest president's appearance at fundraiser today.

February 23, 2006|ERIN MILLER Tribune Staff Writer

MISHAWAKA -- Jesusa Rodriguez once met an immigrant mother whose daily meal was one tortilla she used to wipe up the scraps left on her children's dinner plates. The woman did not complain when she told the story, Rodriguez told the several hundred people gathered in the gym at John Young Middle School Wednesday night. "How does that compare to the meals you and I have?" Rodriguez asked the crowd. "How does that compare to the meal that will be served tomorrow?" Rodriguez was one of several speakers featured at the Working Families Coalition of Michiana's rally to protest President Bush's appearance at a fundraiser for Rep. Chris Chocola, R-2nd, today at Bethel College. She spoke for other immigrants in Indiana and around the country who are against legislation before Congress tightening immigration laws. Immigrants, many of whom enter the United States in their 20s, are the backbone of the U.S. work force, she said. "We want good jobs, good pay, good benefits, good schooling for our children, safe communities and the respect and dignity that every human being deserves," Rodriguez said. University of Notre Dame student Elias Moo, the son of immigrants from Mexico, agreed. "Immigrants are good, hardworking people," he said. "They are the future of the American work force. I stand before you today and call upon you all to secure a better life for our friends, parents and colleagues." The call for support for immigrants was just one of several issues touched on at the 90-minute event. "We're here tonight because most of our folks will never have an opportunity to voice their issues and concerns to Bush or Chocola," said Mike O'Brien of the United Steelworkers Union. "As elected officials, both Bush and Chocola should pay attention to their constituents." But, rally speakers said, Bush and Chocola seem to only listen to constituents who could afford the $500-a-plate lunch and $4,000-a-shot photo opportunity. Other speakers touched on how they believed Chocola failed to represent his district by "rubber-stamping" any Bush request. "If the politicians were working for working people, they would be creating jobs," Notre Dame economics professor Teresa Ghilarducci said. Iraq war veteran Wes Liggett took the stage to call for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. Liggett said the United States began the war on false information but still managed to accomplish two of its goals: remove Saddam Hussein from power and institute democratic elections in the country. "I was proud to serve with many other men and women in the armed services," Liggett said. "It's time to bring them home." Joe Donnelly, one of two candidates vying for the Democratic nomination to oppose Chocola in the November election, also took the stage. "They can't lead us," Donnelly said of Bush and his administration. "It's time for a clean sweep." Donnelly's opponent, Steve Francis, told reporters before the rally that his request to speak at the event was rejected. "It's healthy in a democracy to have several candidates in a primary," Francis said. "We're promoting democracy abroad, and we should be practicing it here." Staff writer Erin Miller: emiller@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6553